Luxury Real Estate & All Things Austin.

Sep 26 Christine Prater, Realtor, CNE

Christine Prater, Realtor, CNE, is no stranger to moving. Having moved 37 times herself, she knows how overwhelming the process can be and desires that every client has the best possible representation and moving experience. With over 10 years of experience in a variety of facets of real estate, Christine has earned a reputation of professionalism and trustworthiness during her time at Moreland.

Her Real Estate Journey

I had a background in Real Estate Marketing and Development when I moved to Austin in 2002. I couldn't find a good fit in that field once I got here and had a terrible experience with an agent when I was trying to buy my very first house. I thought to myself, "Buying a house is a BIG DEAL and people deserve someone who will actually care about them during the process," so I ended up getting my license in 2003. My third transaction was helping my husband (then fiancé) buy a house, which just happened to be a Moreland listing. I befriended that agent and she asked me to come work for her! That morphed into various administrative positions within Moreland including marketing and relocation. I wanted to go back into real estate sales full-time and did so in 2007, when I was named Moreland's "Rookie of the Year." I have been at it ever since!

Giving Back to the Community

I am very involved in ministry, specifically involving women and children. I have served in various women's ministries and counseling ministries over the years and am currently involved in anti-trafficking work, working with and speaking on behalf of organizations like The Refuge Ranch. I have been published as a writer a few times and have a blog called The Jesus Gypsy, although I am not getting to write much more than academic papers these days as I am attending graduate seminary school to better equip me for future ministry. I also try to stay involved in animal rescue and volunteer with some local organizations to that end. I was once named Moreland's "Humane-itarian" of the year for this work as well.

Her Ideal Austin Weekend

I am an introvert by nature and I love the outdoors and music, so a perfect weekend for me would be hanging with my handsome hubby or a close friend or two and just taking in all that Austin has to offer. I love to drink coffee on my back porch with my puppies on Saturday mornings and then would love to hit a trail (probably out at Muleshoe Bend) before heading to Lake Travis for a while. Then, because I have a great affinity for dive bars and live music, I would probably head to Poodie's or Skylark to catch some great shows. On Sunday, my husband and I love to go worship at Austin Ridge and then hang out on our back porch with our fur-babies while cooking up something delicious on our smoker.

A Standout Sold

There was a house I found for a buyer a few years ago—it was in foreclosure and in total disrepair but had enormous potential. It was sprawled across 1.5 acres on a hilltop overlooking the lake and the interior had an enormous amount of character, especially for that price point. It had a barrel ceiling in the kitchen and the fireplace mantle and many of the doors were vintage pieces from the old Rice Hotel in downtown Houston. I previewed the property one night on my way to the Moreland Christmas party for my out-of-town buyers, and immediately called them from the living room and said, "You have to buy this house right now and you have to let me remodel and redesign it for you." They did both and what an amazing home it turned out to be. It just sold for double what we bought it for seven years ago.

What She Looks for in a Home

I absolutely have to have a great back patio, preferably one oriented to catch the shade and a breeze in the afternoons. We spend as much time as possible outdoors, so this is always a must for me, and I am always highlighting that to buyers when we are looking at homes. Another kind of silly thing I always have to check for when buying or showing a home is Christmas tree placement. It is random, but I always need to know where the Christmas Tree is going to go in a home, or it is a no-go for me!